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10 hearty vegan camping recipes for your adventures in the wild

Tis the season for camping adventures far from the conveniences of home -- but that doesn't mean you have to skimp on your meals and resort to eating baked beans out of a can. And if you're vegan, typical camping fare will obviously give you pause, as it usually consists of hot dogs, hamburgers and freshly-caught fish. But you can celebrate nature by eating good, plant-based food too and by savoring lots of cruelty-free, delicious meals while outdoors. Sure, cooking outdoors can be a little challenging with the wind, bugs, and camp stoves, but that doesn't mean the meal can't taste great. To make the most of your time outdoors, prep your meals in advance by pre-cutting vegetables and measuring out spices, and focus on meals that don't use too many pots while cooking to save time and water while doing dishes. Also consider making treats and snacks at home to ensure you have good, healthy food while traveling, out on the trail, and in camp. Here are 10 healthy and hearty vegan meals to feed your family to give them the energy they need to enjoy your camping adventures.

1. Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut Curry

Chickpeas, cauliflower and coconut are a match made in heaven. Stew them together with curry spices and fresh cilantro and you have a delicious Coconut Curry by Oh My Veggies that will satisfy many bellies. Pre-measure and grind your spices to make cook time faster and use boil-in-bag rice to save time doing dishes.

2. Easy Broccoli & Rice Noodle Stir Fry

Rice noodles are even easier to cook while camping than rice. Just throw the noodles into water (doesn’t need to be hot or boiling) while you’re cooking your veggies and they will soak to become pliable. Add your favorite vegetables along with this Easy Stir Fry sauce by Edible Perspective and you’ll be eating dinner in no time.

3. Tofu Vegetable Kebabs with Peanut Sauce

Kebabs are one of the perfect grill foods because they combine veggies, sauce and protein all on one stick. Add a marinade or a peanut sauce to your Tofu Veggie Kebabs and maybe a side salad or some quinoa and you’ll have a complete meal. You could even skewer everything beforehand, making dinner a breeze to cook on the grill.

4. Campfire Toasted Burritos

While this recipe for Campfire Toasted Burritos isn’t vegan, it’s easy to switch out the non-vegan burrito fillers and substitute with your favorite veggies, salsa, vegan cheese and beans and you’ll be good to go. But do follow the instructions for how to cook directly over the fire. Add some pico de gallo and avocado after you take it off the fire for even more goodness. You could also switch out the filling for breakfast ingredients for a hearty meal to start your day.

5. Green Chile Black Bean Burgers

If you like to grill while camping, Black Bean Burgers with all the fixings might just be the ticket. Use your favorite buns along with green chiles, avocado, salsa or whatever else you like. Then use a grill or just a large saucepan on your cook stove to cook them up.

6. Mashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

For lunch, you’ll want a filling and tasty sandwich while out playing in nature. Take a can of chickpeas, mash them and add some tasty veggies and seasoning to create this play on the classic chicken salad. This Mashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich uses hummus or tahini to pull the chickpeas and veggies together and a spread of avocado seals the deal.

7. Vegan French Toast

Breakfast is just as important as dinner and you certainly don’t want to miss out on a delicious meal at the start of your day. This Vegan French Toast by Love and Lemons uses almond milk, a little bit of flour and nutritional yeast to take the place of eggs and we bet your family will love them even more. Plus no need to worry about cracking eggs while en route. Don’t forget the fresh fruit and real maple syrup!

8. Make Ahead Olive Oil Granola

Sometimes when camping though, you need to get up and out to catch the light, the best temperatures, calmest water or whatever. For that you need a simple and quick breakfast, like granola. Orangette has been perfecting her granola recipes, and this Olive Oil Granola is one of the best yet. Make a batch ahead of time and serve it with fresh or dried fruit and your favorite milk alternative.

9. Make Ahead Quinoa Energy Bars

You’re out on the trail having fun with your family, but don’t let anyone get hungry. Keep everyone’s energy going with healthy snacks like these make-ahead Quinoa Energy Bars. Filled with hearty quinoa, oats, dates, cashews and natural sweeteners that bake up into delicious treats.

10. Bonfire Banana Boats with Melted Dark Chocolate

Dessert anyone? How about these Bonfire Banana Boats filled with dark chocolate, or nuts, honey or whatever else you like. The gist of these fire-roasted desserts is to take a banana, make a slit/pocket down its side, add your favorite toppings, then toast it on your campfire. Voila. A delicious fire-roasted treat that will impress the whole family.